How to install flat steel for cable trays

Flat steel cable trays should be installed horizontally with proper support, alignment, and secure cable fastening to ensure safety, load management, and compliance with standards.

Planning and Preparation

Before installation, review the approved shop drawings to determine tray layout, length, and location within the building or plant room . Assess the types and quantity of cables to be routed, considering future expansion and load capacity . Mark the tray route on walls, ceilings, or floors, ensuring adequate clearance for maintenance and separation of high-power and low-power cables to prevent electromagnetic interference .

Material Handling

Inspect all cable trays, ladders, and accessories upon delivery for damage or discrepancies. Store trays horizontally on a flat surface with timber supports at intervals of about 1 meter, protecting them from moisture and direct sunlight . Verify that materials meet project specifications, including hot-dip galvanized steel for corrosion resistance .

Mounting and Support

Flat steel trays are typically self-supporting and installed horizontally under floors, walkways, or ceilings . Use appropriate brackets, clamps, and hangers to secure trays, spacing supports every 1.5 to 3 meters depending on tray type and load . Ensure trays are level and aligned, connecting sections with proper fittings to prevent sagging . For vertical or edgewise installations, secure each cable individually with stainless steel strips, while horizontal trays allow group fastening every 2–3 meters .

Cable Laying and Securing

Lay cables neatly within the tray, using cable ties or straps to organize by voltage and function . Maintain fill limits: power cables should not exceed 40% of the tray cross-section, and control cables 50% . Leave slack for expansion or future adjustments. Metallic trays can serve as equipment grounding conductors if compliant with NEC requirements .

Compliance and Safety

Follow NEC 392 and relevant international standards (NEMA VE1/VE2, ARAMCO) for clearances, grounding, and material selection . Avoid installing trays in prohibited areas such as hoistways or enclosed spaces . Ensure proper separation of high- and low-power cables to minimize interference and overheating risks .

Final Checks

After installation, inspect the tray system for alignment, secure fastening, and cable organization. Verify that all supports, fittings, and grounding connections meet project and safety standards . Proper installation ensures a safe, organized, and maintainable cable management system.